An Evening with Dementia is about ageing, with its trials, aches and pains, its heartache but also its humour; it allows its audience to empathise with the state of being called dementia. See more plus reviews here.

A poem written by an old woman in a geriatric ward inspired Stroud actor Trevor T Smith’s one man show, An Evening with Dementia. Trevor said to the SNJ: “The poem was found in her locker after her death. The nurses thought she could neither read nor write. I think it was found in the 1950s and was often given to nurses to study during their training at that period. After reading the poem I re-wrote the end of the play.”

The poem begins: What do you see, nurses, what do you see? Are you thinking when you are looking at me – A crabbit old woman, not very wise, Uncertain of habit with far away eyes, Who dribbles her food and makes no reply, When you say in a loud voice, “I do wish you’d try”.

Trevor has been nominated for best male actor in the Offies (Offwestendstage) Awards for the show, which has played at the Cotswold Playhouse several times. A one man, one hour show available for performances in medium sized venues. tjsmithwestgarth@hotmail.com
0044 (0) 1453 752751.